Gir's Asiatic Lions Roar Back to 891, But Challenges Emerge

• Asiatic lion numbers in Gir National Park have risen significantly, from 627 to 891 in five years.
• The population was once critically low, with only about 20 lions remaining by the early 20th century due to hunting and habitat loss.
• Gir National Park's rigorous conservation efforts are credited for this "huge success."
• Increased lion numbers mean they now roam beyond park boundaries, leading to a rise in livestock killings and human interactions.
• Experts suggest having all lions in a single population might not be ideal long-term.

Why It Matters: Gir's lion comeback is a conservation triumph, but creates new human-wildlife challenges.